If you’re looking for a quick, comforting dinner that packs a bold punch of flavor and comes together in no time, Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac will soon be your new go-to. Inspired by a cherished memory from an Italian restaurant, this vibrant mashup of pasta, juicy ground beef, creamy sauce, and sun-dried tomato pesto is as easy as it is irresistible. Every bite is filled with the savory notes of pesto and the utterly satisfying heartiness of classic macaroni. Whether you grew up with weeknight casserole traditions or you just love pasta, this dish is guaranteed to win a spot at your family table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac is in its beautiful simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, bringing its own flavor, texture, and color to the dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Elbow macaroni (16 ounces): The classic pasta shape that creates the perfect base, capturing the savory sauce in every curved nook.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Adds rich, meaty flavor and a satisfying bite, making this a hearty one-pot meal.
- Sun-dried tomato pesto (½ cup): Delivers robust, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors that infuse the entire dish with Italian personality.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Blends into the sauce for creamy, velvety decadence and balances the pesto’s brightness.
How to Make Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
First things first—bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a full, rolling boil. Toss in the elbow macaroni and let it cook, stirring every so often so none of those tasty little noodles get stuck. After about 8 minutes, when the macaroni is tender yet still ever-so-slightly firm (al dente perfection!), drain it well. Set aside your fluffy mountain of pasta while you move on to the next step.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat a big skillet over medium-high heat and crumble in your ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks so you get that perfect mix of tender bits with crispy edges. Keep stirring until all the pink has disappeared and the beef is browned and crumbly—this usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease so your sauce stays velvety, not oily.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
With your beef still in the pan, stir in the sun-dried tomato pesto and the sour cream. As soon as these two hit the warm pan, they’ll blend into the beef, turning into a luscious, fragrant sauce. Keep stirring until everything’s just warmed through and the beef is evenly coated—this step ensures maximum flavor in every bite of your Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni straight to the skillet. Now gently toss everything together until each piece of pasta is enveloped in the creamy, savory sauce. Take a quick taste, and if you want, sprinkle in a touch of salt, black pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. The colors, aroma, and textures all come together in this happy skillet for your Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac finale.
How to Serve Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac
Garnishes
A dish as cozy as Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac deserves a touch of flair. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a scatter of chopped fresh basil or parsley adds color and an extra pop of flavor. For a little crunch, top with toasted pine nuts or even a handful of crispy breadcrumbs.
Side Dishes
You can keep the meal laid-back with buttery garlic bread or add some balance with a simple green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also play nicely with the rich, creamy pasta, offering freshness and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac into small ramekins for an individual serving twist, or serve it in a large, rustic bowl at the center of your table for family-style sharing. Hollowed-out bell peppers or tomatoes make a gorgeous edible vessel for a more playful or elegant presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh, and remember—the pasta may absorb a bit of sauce as it sits, making every spoonful even more savory the next day.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish! Let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight, freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—it helps maintain that creamy texture and prevent sogginess.
Reheating
Warm up portions in the microwave, covered loosely, or in a saucepan over medium heat. If the macaroni has soaked up a lot of sauce, splash in a little milk or water as you reheat, stirring well to bring back the luscious, creamy consistency that makes Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, any short pasta shape—like penne, rotini, or shells—will soak up the pesto sauce beautifully in Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. The pesto and sour cream still deliver fabulous flavor, making this a vegetarian-friendly favorite.
What if I only have green basil pesto?
Go for it! Traditional basil pesto gives a bright, herbaceous twist to Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac. The result will be delicious, just a touch different in flavor and color—feel free to experiment!
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream?
Definitely. Greek yogurt adds a similar tangy, creamy element to the sauce. It’s a fabulous swap if you want a lighter option or if you’re out of sour cream.
How do I make it spicier?
Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce. Alternatively, use a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef to give this Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac some fire!
Final Thoughts
If you give Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac a try, I promise you’ll be hooked on this comfort food with an Italian twist. It’s simple, fun, and endlessly customizable—perfect for weeknights or sharing with friends. Grab those ingredients and get ready to fill your kitchen with delicious aromas and even happier faces around the table!
PrintPresto Pesto Hamburger Mac Recipe
A delightful recipe for Presto Pesto Hamburger Mac, a fusion dish combining Italian and British flavors. This easy and delicious meal is inspired by a traditional Italian dish and is sure to impress your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian and British Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Elbow Macaroni:
1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni,
Ground Beef:
1 pound ground beef,
Sun-dried Tomato Pesto:
½ cup sun-dried tomato pesto,
Sour Cream:
½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until tender yet firm, about 8 minutes. Drain.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain grease.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir pesto and sour cream into ground beef until warmed. Add macaroni and mix well.
Notes
- I prefer using red pesto with roasted tomatoes for a richer flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 581
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 217mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: Not provided
- Trans Fat: Not provided
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
